Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, North Carolina, was arrested and charged in an alleged conspiracy to attack Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, a plot officials described as intending to cause mass casualties. The FBI's Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force says a multi-state investigation and a tip led to her arrest; a juvenile has also been charged and two suspects named only as "Teegan" and "Angel" remain at large. Hicks is held on $10 million bond, the synagogue temporarily closed as a precaution, and the investigation is ongoing.
18-Year-Old Charged in Alleged Plot to Attack Houston Synagogue; Two Suspects Remain at Large
Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, N.C., was arrested in an alleged plot targeting a Houston synagogue, authorities said.(Fox News)
Angelina Han Hicks, an 18-year-old from Lexington, North Carolina, has been arrested and charged in an alleged conspiracy to attack members of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, according to court documents and law enforcement statements. Authorities say a multi-state probe may have disrupted what officials described as a potential "mass casualty event."
What Happened
The FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force launched a multi-state investigation after receiving a tip that led to Hicks' arrest. Court documents allege the plan aimed to "kill as many Jews as possible by driving through a congregation." A juvenile has also been charged in Harris County, Texas, and two other suspects identified only as "Teegan" and "Angel" remain at large.
A man listens during a Yom HaShoah ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
District Court Judge Carlton Terry set Hicks' bond at $10 million, noting that allowing communication between co-conspirators "puts lives at risk." Hicks is being held at the Davidson County Detention Center and is scheduled for a court appearance next month. The case remains under active investigation.
Statements and Community Response
The FBI issued a statement praising the tip that prompted the investigation and urging the public to report concerning behavior: "This is an exceptional example of when you see something concerning, you say something to law enforcement." The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston said Congregation Beth Israel — the oldest Jewish house of worship in Texas — closed temporarily "out of an abundance of caution."
Authorities said a multistate investigation led to the arrest of a North Carolina woman in an alleged plot targeting a Texas synagogue.
Defense and Family Comments
Hicks' court-appointed attorney, Chad Freeman, told reporters the case is in its early stages and that his client's age may factor into her defense; he said he expects to consult experts on investigatory and forensic matters. A relative identified as Hicks' father disputed the allegations, calling her a "good kid" and saying she lacks a driver's license and access to a vehicle. Authorities have not publicly confirmed or addressed those claims.
Context and Ongoing Concerns
Investigators have not publicly released a motive or explained why a Houston synagogue more than 1,000 miles from Hicks' home was allegedly targeted. Officials noted that timely public reporting has played a key role in disrupting alleged plots; recent incidents targeting Jewish communities have heightened vigilance nationwide.
Note: All allegations are from court documents and law enforcement statements. Hicks is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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